I wanted to share something I’m really pleased to be able to offer this spring.
On 4th–5th May 2026, I’ll be running a two-day Supervising First Aid for Mental Health course, and I’m offering 50% off for Chamber of Commerce members.
I’ve timed this to sit just ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, as I’m a big believer that awareness is only useful if it’s backed up with practical skills. This course is about giving supervisors and managers something concrete to take back into their workplaces — not just recognising when something isn’t right, but knowing what to say and how to respond.
A big advantage of these dates is that Monday 4th May is a bank holiday, which makes the two-day format much more manageable for people who would otherwise struggle to step away from their business for training.
The course is delivered online, and I teach it from my perspective as an NHS doctor, using real-world scenarios from clinical practice. We cover how to spot early signs of difficulty, how to approach sensitive conversations (including around self-harm and suicide), and how to offer appropriate support while keeping clear professional boundaries.
It’s a nationally recognised qualification, delivered in association with NUCO Training, and is Ofqual-regulated and HSE-compliant.
If you’ve been thinking about strengthening how your business supports staff wellbeing, this is a good opportunity to do that in a structured, practical way.
If you’d like more information or to book a place, you can reach me at:
Why Real Relationships Still Win (and Always Will)
Last week’s Co.next workshop with Phil was a bit of a reset.
Not in a dramatic, tear-it-all-down kind of way — but in a quieter, more powerful sense. A reminder that in a world of constant notifications, polished personal brands, and “networking strategies”, the thing that actually moves the needle is much simpler:
Genuine human connection.
“People don’t remember your pitch — they remember how you made them feel.”
One of the standout moments from the session was Phil’s reminder that relationships aren’t built through perfectly crafted introductions or transactional conversations.
They’re built through:
Curiosity
Consistency
And showing up as yourself
He challenged the idea that we need to perform in professional settings. Instead, he encouraged everyone to lean into authenticity — even when it feels a bit uncomfortable.
Because that’s what people connect with.
The Shift: From Networking to Relationship-Building
Phil made a clear distinction that really landed with the group:
“Networking is often about what you can get. Relationships are about what you can give — and grow.”
It sparked a lot of reflection in the room.
How often do we:
Rush conversations?
Focus on outcomes instead of people?
Default to “What do you do?” instead of “What are you interested in right now?”
The takeaway wasn’t to abandon ambition — but to slow down and be more intentional about how we connect.
What Authenticity Actually Looks Like (In Practice)
Authenticity can feel like one of those overused buzzwords — but Phil broke it down in a way that made it actionable.
It’s not about oversharing or being “on” all the time.
It’s about:
Being honest when you don’t know something
Sharing what genuinely excites you
Admitting when something feels challenging
Letting conversations flow naturally (instead of steering them)
“You don’t need to have it all figured out to be valuable in a conversation.”
That line stuck.
Small Actions That Make a Big Difference
One of the most useful parts of the workshop was how practical it felt. This wasn’t just theory — it was about what you can do differently this week.
Here are a few simple shifts Phil encouraged:
1. Follow up like a human, not a template
Instead of a generic “great to meet you” message, reference something specific:
“I’ve been thinking about what you said about… would love to continue that conversation.”
2. Lead with curiosity
Ask better questions:
“What’s been energising you at work lately?”
“What are you working towards right now?”
3. Play the long game
Not every connection needs an immediate outcome.
Some of the most valuable relationships build slowly over time.
4. Be remembered for how you show up
Reliable. Thoughtful. Interested.
That’s what people come back to.
Why This Matters for Co.next
For the Co.next community — where so many of you are early in your careers, exploring new paths, or building confidence — this message couldn’t be more relevant.
You don’t need:
The perfect elevator pitch
A polished LinkedIn persona
Or a clear five-year plan
You need:
Openness
Willingness to connect
And the confidence to be yourself in the room
Because that’s what builds relationships that actually last.
A Final Thought
Phil left us with a simple but powerful reminder:
“Opportunities don’t come from transactions — they come from trust.”
And trust isn’t built overnight.
It’s built in the small moments:
The conversations you take time over
The messages you send
The way you show up, consistently, as yourself
If there’s one thing to take forward from last week, it’s this:
You don’t need to be the most impressive person in the room — just the most genuine.